How relevant are tyre tests in the real world? Worried!!
Discussion
I'm slightly concerned about my latest purchase, the All Season Pirelli SF2's.
They finished 14th in this German test:
https://www.tyrereviews.com/Article/2021-Auto-Bild...
However this test, on the same website ranks it 2nd, which is the one I based my purchase on:
https://www.tyrereviews.com/Article/2021-Tyre-Revi...
Firstly- can't quite understand how the same tyre can result so differently?
Are most All Season premium branded tyres neck and neck in everyday situations?
They finished 14th in this German test:
https://www.tyrereviews.com/Article/2021-Auto-Bild...
However this test, on the same website ranks it 2nd, which is the one I based my purchase on:
https://www.tyrereviews.com/Article/2021-Tyre-Revi...
Firstly- can't quite understand how the same tyre can result so differently?
Are most All Season premium branded tyres neck and neck in everyday situations?
sat1983 said:
I'm slightly concerned about my latest purchase, the All Season Pirelli SF2's.
They finished 14th in this German test:
https://www.tyrereviews.com/Article/2021-Auto-Bild...
However this test, on the same website ranks it 2nd, which is the one I based my purchase on:
https://www.tyrereviews.com/Article/2021-Tyre-Revi...
Firstly- can't quite understand how the same tyre can result so differently?
Are most All Season premium branded tyres neck and neck in everyday situations?
Tyrereviews explains the differences in testing/scoring in the first link.They finished 14th in this German test:
https://www.tyrereviews.com/Article/2021-Auto-Bild...
However this test, on the same website ranks it 2nd, which is the one I based my purchase on:
https://www.tyrereviews.com/Article/2021-Tyre-Revi...
Firstly- can't quite understand how the same tyre can result so differently?
Are most All Season premium branded tyres neck and neck in everyday situations?
Bill said:
Tyrereviews explains the differences in testing/scoring in the first link.
"The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 lost a lot of points in this test due to the worst wet braking and wet handling in this test, compared to the Tyre Reviews test where it had reasonable wet performance. This is harder to explain, but could again be a function of the low grip surface of the tracks or the tyre size differences."Still doesn't speak volumes to me- the bottom line I want to know as a consumer is "Have I bought the right tyre or not? as based on those two tests it seems very inconclusive.
Would have loved the Michelin or the others but they didn't have the size I needed.
sat1983 said:
Bill said:
Tyrereviews explains the differences in testing/scoring in the first link.
"The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 lost a lot of points in this test due to the worst wet braking and wet handling in this test, compared to the Tyre Reviews test where it had reasonable wet performance. This is harder to explain, but could again be a function of the low grip surface of the tracks or the tyre size differences."Wet performance trumps everything in the U.K. (unless you live in the highlands where specific winter tyres are probably advisable). After that, then the other performances are dependent on your own circumstances. Distance travelling may make noise and comfort next most important; maybe dry handling if you push your car. As another poster almost said, the answer for all-seasons is always … Vredestein.
Manufacturers often update tyres in mid life without telling anyone. Can make a massive difference to their overall ranking. I suspect they did this here.
Different sizes can have different constructions, the tread might work better at different widths, also affecting results.
So, in your situation, I’d look at the manufacturing date and size. If its a newer tyre at a similar size to the 2nd place test, I’d rest easy. If its closer to the larger tyre in the 14th placed test and has an older manufacturing date, like they were made more than a year ago, I’d worry.
Different sizes can have different constructions, the tread might work better at different widths, also affecting results.
So, in your situation, I’d look at the manufacturing date and size. If its a newer tyre at a similar size to the 2nd place test, I’d rest easy. If its closer to the larger tyre in the 14th placed test and has an older manufacturing date, like they were made more than a year ago, I’d worry.
Edited by wyson on Wednesday 24th November 11:28
Do you still believe in testing?
There are 4 main problems:
1) Tyre size affect performance
2) Slight differences in temperature & conditions greatly affect the results
3) Manufacturers may provide "prepared" tyres
4) Conflict of interest from testers.
So I have long ignored test reviews and either bought and tried tyres myself or rely on feedback from friends....
The same applies to cars, motorbikes....
There are 4 main problems:
1) Tyre size affect performance
2) Slight differences in temperature & conditions greatly affect the results
3) Manufacturers may provide "prepared" tyres
4) Conflict of interest from testers.
So I have long ignored test reviews and either bought and tried tyres myself or rely on feedback from friends....
The same applies to cars, motorbikes....
mmm-five said:
Doesn't matter what the reviews say, as you've bought them already
I can cancel the order today Thanks for the feedback so far. Let's face it- those tyres and 4WD should easily see my car through the UK weather!
Maybe I'm focusing far too much on the reviews. If it came reviewed 2nd by a well respected reviewer- can't be too bad.
E-bmw said:
On a slightly related subject it always surprises me how few "winter" tyres are actually A rated for wet performance & perform anywhere near a good
"summer" tyre in these comparisons in wet weather tests.
I can only assume that the tread and compound required for snow is not idea for very wet weather?"summer" tyre in these comparisons in wet weather tests.
sat1983 said:
Let's face it- those tyres and 4WD should easily see my car through the UK weather!
None of the options will be terrible.I doubt that any of the people testing tyres could tell you which tyre they were driving in a real-world environment and I doubt that a typical driver would be able to tell the difference at all. And even if you suppose the performance difference could be as much as 10% under some specific conditions, no sensible person would drive so that this 10% mattered. It's not as if everyone immediately falls off the road when conditions get bad. You drive within the grip you have.
GreenV8S said:
I doubt that any of the people testing tyres could tell you which tyre they were driving in a real-world environment and I doubt that a typical driver would be able to tell the difference at all. And even if you suppose the performance difference could be as much as 10% under some specific conditions, no sensible person would drive so that this 10% mattered. It's not as if everyone immediately falls off the road when conditions get bad. You drive within the grip you have.
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